Cisapride

Dosage Forms Available

• Cisapride is available in tablet and suspension form for oral administration.

Age and Dose Restrictions

• Cisapride is intended for use by adults.

Contraindications

• Cisapride is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to it.

• It should not be used by individuals with a history of prolonged QT interval, ventricular arrhythmias, or other cardiac conduction disturbances. The medicine is also not suitable for those with severe hepatic or renal impairment.

Other Medications to Avoid

• Cisapride may interact with calcium channel blockers (e.g., bepridil), antipsychotics (e.g., chlorpromazine, fluphenazine, mesoridazine, perphenazine, prochlorperazine, promethazine, sertindole, thioridazine, thiothixene, trifluoperazine), macrolide antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin, erythromycin, troleandomycin), azole antifungals (e.g., fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole), antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, amoxapine, clomipramine, desipramine, doxepin, imipramine, maprotiline, nefazodone, nortriptyline, protriptyline, trimipramine), antiarrhythmics (e.g., amiodarone, disopyramide, quinidine, procainamide, sotalol), protease inhibitors (e.g., indinavir, ritonavir), and fluoroquinolone antibiotics (e.g., sparfloxacin).

Overdose and Missed Dose

• An overdose of Cisapride may result in exaggerated gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Serious cardiac adverse events, including QT prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias, may also occur. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

• If you forget to take your dose of Cisapride, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double up on doses to make up for a missed one.

Management of Side Effects

Most side effects are temporary and generally harmless and resolve when discontinuing this medicine. However, if you experience any severe side effects or worsening of any of the symptoms, please consult your doctor.

• Drinking plenty of water may help reduce some side effects such as constipation.

• Resting or lying down may help in managing dizziness.

• If you are experiencing headaches, resting in a dark and quiet room and placing a cool cloth on your forehead may help bring relief.

Use in Driving and Operating Machinery

• Cisapride may cause dizziness or sleepiness in some individuals. If you experience these side effects, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how this medication affects you.

Use in Pregnancy and Lactation

• It is advisable to consult a doctor before using Cisapride during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Caution in Other Conditions

• Patients with cardiac conditions should exercise caution when taking Cisapride due to the risk of QT prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias.

• Patients with severe liver or kidney impairment should also exercise caution due to the impact of these conditions on the metabolism and elimination of this medicine.

Special Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations

• Consuming a diet low in fat and high in fibre can help manage symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other gastrointestinal conditions.

• Regular meals may also help to reduce symptoms related to GERD.

• Avoid eating large meals, especially late at night, as they can trigger acid reflux.